• Christmas is coming early to Navarre. Very early. This weekend, in fact. Perhaps it’s because the second annual “Christmas in the Village” is so chock-full of holiday-inspired entertainment and activity, it just couldn’t wait. “It’s going to be totally Christmas starting Friday,” said Claudia Anderson, owner of Anderson’s in the Village. “Saturday is going to be super fun. Everybody is just working together for this.”

• Highlights of Friday’s activities include cookie decorating at the YMCA, live music with the Sugarcreek Acoustic Duo at Main Street Deli and a live painting by Carl Butzer at Anderson’s from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Retro Ward will be the site of live pottery demonstrations from noon to 4 p.m. and ice carving with local chef John Froman from 5 to 6 p.m.

• Saturday’s highlights include all-day pictures with Santa at Take a Shot Photography, horse-drawn wagon rides with a local historian from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., wood sculpting with chainsaws from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. outside Firehouse Bar and Grille, Fohl Memorial UMC bell choir performance at 11 a.m. at the YMCA, a visit from Jasper the Pony from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Main Street Deli, ice carving from 1 to 2 p.m. at The Retro Ward, face painting from 1 to 2 p.m. at Real Deal Discounts and story time with Mrs. Claus at noon, 2 and 4 p.m. at the Askren Memorial Branch Library.

• All-day activities on both days include refreshments and door prizes at many of the area businesses, special sales, a live nativity scene in Rochester Square, a silent Christmas tree auction at the YMCA, a basket raffle at the Phat Rabbit, free play on all games at Flashback Classic Coin Ops, and alpaca visits at the grand opening of A.J.’s Alpaca Ranch & Boutique. The historic J.D. Define building, the site of one of President William McKinley’s first lawsuits, will be decked out in holiday trimmings. Tours will be offered from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The Mathews’ House will display more than 100 nativities.

Why attend? Area business owners and community members have been hard at work to create an event that tops last year’s. This is the chance to support their efforts and have fun at the same time.

COMPILED BY ANGIE YOUNESSI

About the event

When: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Where: Throughout Navarre.

Admission: Most activities are free. Wagon rides are $2 per person, leaving from Mathews’ House or St. Clement Church.